Android 13: Keep in mind that this is still the first version of the software, however.
Android 12 has been available for months, and we have seen the release of Android 12L. Google is not standing here, however, as it has now announced the first beta release for Android 13.
Google says that Android 13 beta 1 will fix a few features like notification permissions, download permissions, and more. You can find all the details about the features of Android 13 in the previous link. But what if you really want to put this on your phone? Well, you can turn the program image on a compatible phone, and we have two ways to do it.
It is worth emphasizing that this is a beta and is primarily aimed at developers. We do not recommend using this on your main phone unless you are good at interruptions and other issues.
OTA route
Here’s what you need to get started
Compatible Pixel 4 / 4a or later device and USB cable to connect to your computer
Compatible Pixel phones include Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro.
Android SDK installed on your machine with ADB command and Fastboot running – check out the tutorial here
Now with real steps.
Download the appropriate files to install Android 13
Before you can get things done, you will need to download the appropriate OTA image for your smartphone (here) with your computer. Factory photos are also available but may require the device to be permanently erased, which is not the case with OTA images. Additionally, uploading an OTA image means you will automatically receive new beta on air. Our instructions below also reflect the OTA process.
Turn on recovery mode on your phone
Once you have downloaded the file, you need to restart your phone in Recovery Mode to use OTA image. After that, you will be ready to install the beta for Android 13.
First, turn off your phone.
Next, press the power and volume down buttons at the same time.
The bootloader menu will now appear. Use the volume keys to scroll down to Recovery Mode.
Select Recovery Mode by clicking the Power button.
You will be introduced with an Android robot with an exclamation mark. Now you will press the power button and the volume button for about a second.
Releasing the volume button will send you fully on recovery.
Next, use the volume keys and scroll down to Install an update from ADB. Press the power button to select an option.
Lastly, you will see a blank screen that tells you how to load OTA aside.
Prepare your PC to install Android 13
Now that your phone is ready, it is time to make the magic happen.
Connect your handset to your PC via USB cable. Remember, your PC requires the installation of ADB tools.
For Windows, install Command Prompt. On Linux or Mac, you will want to use Terminal. For Windows users, be sure to navigate to wherever you store the folder.
Next, you should install adb sideload for Windows or ./adb sideload for Mac / Linux.
Now you will want to enter the .zip folder name from the front and press enter.
When finished, your phone will return to Recovery Mode, and you can unplug the USB cable.
Go to Restart Now with the volume keys and press the power button.
That’s all. If all goes well, you have successfully installed Android 13 successfully.
Using the Android Flash Tool
Google also offers a web-based application for installing Android 13 beta on your phone using a computer. The web service handles the download and installation of the update, although you will need to communicate with your phone from time to time when you are instructed to do so. This will reset your phone as before.
Here’s what you need to get started
Compatible Pixel phone (Pixel 4 or higher, Pixel 4a or higher) and USB cable to connect to your computer
Android USB Driver for Windows PC (available here)
10GB of free storage on your computer
What to do on your phone first
Before connecting your phone to your PC, you will need to make sure that the developer options, turn on OEM, and USB debugging are enabled on your phone.
Go to Settings> About Phone
Scroll down to Create Number and press this field repeatedly (approximately seven times). You will see a message appear that you are X steps away from becoming an engineer. Keep doing this until you have to enter your PIN code.
Enter your PIN code and you should see a notification that you are now an engineer. Developer options are now enabled.
Visit Settings> System> Developer Options and enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging.
What to do on your PC
Make sure you have installed the Android USB Driver for your Windows PC if you have not already done so.
Connect your phone to your PC with a USB cable.
Open flash.android.com.
Allow hackers from flash.android.com to give you website access to connect your phone via ADB. Click show box again if you need a pop-up to appear again. Select to allow ADB access to pop-up.
Select the button to add a new device. Another window should open, showing your connected device. Select device.
You will see USB debugging information coming from your smartphone. Select Always Allow on this computer and press OK.
The next step in your PC and website will be to select your phone again and then select the Android software you would like to install. Select Android 13 Beta 1 and choose to install build.
You will be notified that your phone will be reset as before. Tap to confirm and the process will begin. Your phone’s bootloader will also unlock if it has never been unlocked before. You will need to use volume and power keys to unlock the bootloader when prompting.
Once this is done, the Android 13 software will be downloaded to your computer and installed automatically on your phone. You do not need to contact your phone at this time. The USB of your connected PC / disconnected chime will ring a few times during this process – that’s normal.
